Back to work - when and how?

When the shutdown happened, my first thought was “how will it go?” But my concerns have been put to shame. In fact, it works really well, primarily due to all the IT tools we have available, including SKYPE, VPN, emails and mobile. Without the internet, it would not have been possible. What we lack is the physical presence at work with good colleagues. I miss that.

A study commissioned by Ramboll shows that there is not unconditional joy among Danes to go back to work. Research shows that eight out of 10 Danes fear to be infected with COVID19 in the workplace to a greater or lesser extent. Furthermore, the survey shows that 61% of Danes are not sure how they protect themselves against COVID19 infection in the workplace.

A return to the job at AGRO must be expected to happen gradually and probably with different working hours. Time will show. When the euphoria of returning to normal has subsided, we wake up to a changed working day. For everything does not become like before COVID19. There are distance requirements of 1½-2 meters and good hand hygiene to be observed, which we have all learned over the past 7 weeks. But the precautions will be extensive.

The new reality will hit us already at the main entrance. Here we have to sanitise hands before we enter the code or grab the door handle and then sanitise again for the sake of the colleagues arriving after us and for the sake of ourselves. Many colleagues usually slip past the fruit bowl before heading to their office. Choosing today's apple, pear, plum or banana is a challenge, as everyone wants the best piece, and it can lead to a lot of touching fruits. Therefore, for a period there will be no free fruit for the employees. 

Physical meetings have to be fewer due to distance requirements of 2 meters and a maximum of 10 people together. This will mean that everyday life will still be characterized by virtual meetings, even if we sit door to door. For toilet visits, wash/sanitise hands both before and after using the toilet, dry hands in paper towels and then close the faucet and open the door with a new paper towel. You also need to sanitise with hand alcohol after using the toilet. At the coffee/water dispenser there is a significant risk of infection. Therefore, you need to sanitise and wash your hands both before and after you have a cup of coffee and preferably bring your own cup. 

Remember the packed lunch as the canteen is most likely to be closed and eat your food in your own company in the office. If the weather permits, you may be able to meet outside and start a new trend “2 meters distance - walk - talk - eat”.

If this sounds troublesome - then I can only say, YES it will be. But it is all about habits - and the power of the habit is great, and we have already learned to keep our distance and good hand hygiene - so we can also learn the above to look after each other and ourselves.

So, despite new onerous habits, I look forward to getting back on the job and seeing my long-haired, home-cut colleagues